Tributes

We invite you to celebrate the life of Dr. James C. Dobson by sharing your thoughts and memories here.

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This page will display the words of people from around the world who have been impacted by the life and ministry of Dr. James Dobson.

You may also leave your tribute by calling 844-823-2669.

Recent Tributes

Dr. Dobson, you have influenced my life since I was 15 years old. I am 49 now. I listened faithfully to your teachings and gained so much insight into the importance of faith and family. It felt as though you were a father to me. I am now a counselor working to impact the lives of others. I regularly refer to your incredible advice to influence families. It was a dream of mine to work at your ministry and also to meet you. I am sorry I wasn’t able to meet you in person, although some day I know I will. Thank you for leaving such a lasting impact for so many. You were one of a kind. Sincerely, Katie Lorenz, St. Louis, MO

Katie

What a blessing Dr. Dobson has been to me! In the 1990s, I started to listen to Focus on the Family and started going to church. I ended up giving my life to Jesus. What a life-changing gift he has given to me. People started noticing changes in me and asked what I was doing differently. I told them I was listening to Focus on the Family and going to church. I found out that I can’t make it to heaven on my own – I need Jesus. Dr. Dobson let God use him in a very special way. Thank you.

Cindy

My heart grieves at your repose and departure from this world, Dr. Dobson. I have listened to you for nearly fifty years. Early in my life, your ministry influenced me and how I think. Your wisdom and faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ stood as a light on a hill in a dark world. Thank you for teaching Christ-centered principles about the family, about marriage, and how to thrive as a family in a culture in decay. Thank you for standing against evil and pernicious influences that pervade America today. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for founding Focus on the Family and your later Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Thank you for faithfully serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am indebted to you. I praise God that I was blessed to be exposed to your convictions about a life of faith.

Michael

Unknown to Dr. Dobson, he and I traveled many thousands of miles together over the years. I was a young P.K., still not right with God; then I started driving a truck in 1987. Through many Christian radio stations, Dr. Dobson, along with other guests on his show, ministered to me in so many ways. I learned how to truly find God’s plan for my life and trust Him. I learned how be be a good husband and father before I was even married. Dr. Dobson was an answer to my parents’ prayers, and he had a huge impact on my life. I never met him in person, but I consider him a friend, and I thank God for his life and ministry. Thank you, Mrs. Dobson, for sharing him with us!

Tim

The world has lost what Heaven has gained: a titan for God’s kingdom and the God-designed family. I started listening to Focus on the Family with Dr. Dobson when I was sitting in a tractor during my summer job. I was 16. I’ve read his books on bringing up girls and strong-willed children. I felt his encouragement to hold the line as a mom to protect my children from a pervasive culture – to homeschool, to be engaged in politics as a Christian, to support those who are a voice for the voiceless. I’m now 38 and in the throes of rearing five children in the admonition of the Lord. His newsletters have encouraged me each Mother’s Day, and I still lean on those pearls of wisdom I heard on that tractor radio 22 years ago. God used Dr. Dobson and his ministry to lay a biblical foundation in my heart for the godly role that a mother and a family can play in today’s world. Yes, the world has lost a titan for God’s kingdom, and I mourn his passing while, at the same time, I deeply rejoice in the fact that one of God’s faithful servants has entered eternal rest. Dobson family, thank you for sharing your husband and father with me and with the world. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brittany

I’ll forever be grateful for the gift of wisdom Dr. Dobson shared throughout the years. I loved listening to the radio programs in the car as I drove to work and sports events all the years of raising children. He was such an inspiration and encouragement. Also, I appreciate his work educating individuals and families about many harmful subjects (e.g., gambling). May his reward in heaven be great! What a legacy! Praying God’s abundant provisions and peace for his family and this ministry.

Kim

I’m so sorry for your loss! I am eternally grateful for the wisdom Dr. Dobson shared for decades on Focus on the Family! He will be deeply missed.

Kristin

As newlyweds in 1978, my husband and I watched Dr. Dobson on video at our church. We read many of his well-written books that helped us raise our children who now have children of their own who love the Lord. They enjoyed “Adventures in Odyssey” back then, and now the grands do too. Dr. Dobson’s radio program had such wisdom with wonderful guests to encourage young parents to be a godly influence in our children’s schools, our community, and beyond. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for ALL your years on the radio. My deepest sympathy to Shirley, Danae, Ryan and his family, and the others at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Debbie

As a teacher in my 20s with classrooms of around 30 children each year, I had several boys one year whom I needed to have submit to me rather than me to them. I read Dr. Dobson’s book, “The Strong-Willed Child,” and learned some important truths which helped shape my thinking and thankfully helped the school year to go properly. Little did I know that God was also preparing me to mother a child with a strong personality. I praise Him for His help in doing that; but earthly-wise, He also used Dr. Dobson’s book. I am thankful for the wisdom that God gave Dr. Dobson and that he was able to share that with us.

Sharon

For years Focus on the Family was a part of my daily routine as I listened in the mornings on my way to work. I became a pro-life advocate because of Dr. Dobson. I am not just grateful for his words and work of faith, but for the hundreds of Christians he introduced on his broadcast. Their testimonies and teachings profoundly affected my life and faith in Jesus. Dr. James Dobson was a mighty warrior and also a friend to all of us who loved him.

Roxanne

Dr. Dobson has been my mentor through his many books, through Focus on the Family, Focus over Fifty, and telephone counselors. His marriage to Shirley has been a wonderful model for my husband, Ray, and me. I know that tomorrow, August 27, would have been his 65th wedding anniversary. Ray and I celebrated our 65th last March. I feel sadness in Dr. Dobson’s passing, but also joy, knowing that he is in the presence of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I am praying that Shirley, Danae, and Ryan will know God’s peace, comfort, strength, and joy. I love you, Judy Pearson

Judy

My wife, Joni, and I were married December 26, 1981, and by October 1982 had our first child, which was preceded by Joni (pregnant) and me hosting the “Focus on the Family” film series in our little Methodist church, behaving as if we knew what we were doing. 🙂 A couple of years later, following the birth of our second child, we hosted the “Turn Your Heart Toward Home” film series. I think we literally have read every book Dr. Dobson ever wrote. When our girls were teens, we attended a “Be There” conference in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Hanging on the wall in our foyer is the certificate of attendance given at the end of the conference. “Be there” has been our family motto ever since, and our older daughter, who is now 42 years, has a company called Be There Ltd. Before our girls graduated from high school, we made a trip “out west” (from Ohio) and had a wonderful visit at the FOTF campus, which included a visit to the broadcasting studio and the newly created Whit’s End. When our older daughter was in college, she opted for a semester at the FOTF Institute and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Her two grandmothers, along with Joni and me, attended her graduation at the Institute. Once upon a time, in the early ’90s as I best recall, Joni and I attended what I believe was the only FOTF Attorney’s Conference and had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dr. and Mrs. Dobson during that visit. It was an event and a handshake that we cherish to this day. We have financially supported FOTF for many years and consider it one of the best investments we’ve ever made. Even though we are a significant distance from Colorado, we managed to visit the Focus campus again about three years ago when we visited a young couple from our area attending Charis Bible College. The emotions we experienced as we walked about the facilities, and had our photo taken by an employee who was passing by, were “priceless,” as they say. We think most highly of the Dobsons, FOTF, and the extensions and fruit thereof. Over the years, I often pondered how nice it would be to sit and talk with Dr. Dobson. It is without hesitation or reservation that we express that Dr. Dobson and Focus have most positively impacted our family and friends and will continue to do so for more than the current generation. Blessings and best regards, Randy and Joni Peddicord

Randall

My mother took great encouragement from Dr. Dobson’s books on child rearing. I am the result of those lessons. I even had an opportunity as a young woman to hear Ryan speak and was blessed yet again by his testimony and Dr. Dobson’s love, fortitude, and unfailing faith. As my husband and I began our journey as parents (of three strong-willed boys), my mother blessed us with the whole set of Dr. Dobson’s books. He encouraged, corrected, and cheered us on without ever having met us! We listened to him on Focus on the Family and then later on Family Talk.

Nikki

I will always remember the first time I saw Dr. James Dobson. He had an undeniable presence that commanded the room, and I stood in awe of this incredible man of faith who has been a constant influence in my life. He has mentored me since I was newly saved and married, guiding me through motherhood and now into my role as a grandmother. My toddlers, teens, and adult children have all grown up under his teachings, and I am thrilled to share these lessons with my grandkids. I have prayed for Dr. Dobson and his family countless times over the years, and I am grateful for the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon both his life and mine through his ministry. Thank you, James Dobson, for the love I have felt and for the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. May God bless and give your family overwhelming peace during this difficult time.

Michellee

I was not a regular listener but did hear his broadcasts off on and throughout the years. I always enjoyed him and will keep his family in my prayers.

David

The Lord brought me to conviction of sin and repentance while listening to “Tilly” on Focus on the Family in 1985. I listened to Dr. Dobson daily for many, many years, always learning so much and growing in my faith. He always pointed people to Jesus and the Word, which is why I trusted him and what he taught and discussed as he interviewed guests or summarized one of his books. The Lord continues to use radio broadcasting as a teaching tool in my life. Family Talk is a great blessing, and I’m so thankful Dr. Dobson started it right after his departure from Focus on the Family. There really are no words to describe Dr. Dobson’s impact on my life. Millions of people can say that! His family and staff are certainly in my prayers. They are not forgotten.

Chris

Where does a young mom go to turn around and stop international trauma? For me, Focus on the Family radio was a godsend. I heard the program each morning on Praise 106.5 out of Lynden, WA. The guests interviewed by Dr. Dobson taught me to think, feel, talk, and set boundaries. I also learned to forgive versus seek revenge. The variety of topics and opinions got me to establish values and principles of family, parenting, traditions. In addition, I learned to love, accept all, let God be the judge, and use God-given talents/gifts/skills to meet a need and find purpose to make the world a better place until Jesus comes.

A focused life – what an impact. Glory be to God!

victor

I am so grateful for Dr. Dobson’s life and for his legacy! I began listening to Focus on the Family in 1992 on the way to work when I had 3 little children (ages 6, 4, and 3). I was so excited every day to hear the program. I learned so much about raising my kids on Christ-centered values, and I needed every bit of marriage advice he provided. I’ve always shared Dr. Dobson’s insights, advice, books, and resources with family, friends, and co-workers – they are so valuable. Thank you again, Dr. Dobson, for helping me to become a better mother, a better wife, and a better friend. You will be missed! May God comfort Shirley and family, and fill them with his peace.

Sonia

It is a very sad time to have to say goodbye to someone I have listened to for over 30 years. From the time I got married until just a few weeks ago, Dr. Dobson has been a caring, knowledgeable, influential voice in my life. Even though I accepted the Lord at such a young age, no one in my family was saved, and years later I married an unbeliever. Were it not for discovering and listening to Dr. Dobson, first at Focus on the Family then at Family Talk, I would not still be married to a Christian (now) and have raised three children. His wisdom, advice (through his books), and wonderful guests through the years have all formed this now conservative and educated woman – educated in the way of being aware of the clash of the culture and my beliefs, but as of now I am firm. Dr. Dobson has helped me grow, mature, keep learning, and above all to keep striving toward the goal of maturity and communion with Christ. May I be found faithful, and I hope to one day meet him in Paradise where we can rejoice in the Lord together.

Teresa